Here’s why Australians get a free 2 year warranty on their Apple products
With the average Australian signing up for a 24 month phone contract, it is fairly reasonable to expect that their phone will be protected for the duration of that period. Luckily this is now true in Australia thanks to a decision by Aussie regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The determination by the ACCC signals and end to Apple's global 1 year consumer guarantee in Australia.
The simple truth behind the now free extended warranty is that customers are buying a product they should expect to last 2 years. Jo Ucukalo, consumer expert and CEO of Handle My Complaint explains that by signing a 24 month contact customers are committing to a single brand for 2 years. Brands ought to commit to their customers in return.
What this guarantee covers:
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- Apple products including the iPad, iPhone, MacBook and iMac
- Non-Apple products sold-in store such as their Beats headphone line
The new and upcoming Apple Watch is almost certainly included too.
Here at Handle My Complaint, we urge anyone with a broken Apple product within 2 years of signing a contract or purchasing it outright to seek a repair, refund or replacement from Apple and/or their telco provider.
Be wary of:
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- Extended warranties (since you are guaranteed a 2 years anyway)
- The cost of the item (since this makes a difference to the duration of your warranty)
According to the ACCC, white goods and larger household items such as TVs and washing machines have a 12-month minimum warranty guaranteed but with Apple products this was less clear.
What was clear is that the cost of an item influences how long a base warranty is provided. Some indicative examples now include:
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- $400 iPad (2 years warranty)
- $900 fridge (5 years warranty)
- $8,000 TV (10 years warranty)
Australians need to carefully consider the quality of an item and what is reasonable in the circumstances.
Another aspect to note is the distinction between a major and minor fault. A major fault is where a product can't be used for its intended purpose, such as not being able to receive calls. On the other hand, minor cosmetic issues such as a scratch on the back of the phone are typically a minor fault.
Major and minor faults can have different outcomes:
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- Major fault: the customer decides whether they want a repair, replacement or refund
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- Minor fault: the retailer or manufacturer decides whether to repair, replace or refund
We urge all Australian's to get a fair deal with their mobile phone by reaching out to either the manufacturer or telco provider on the following details:
Apple Australia: [email protected] or 1300 731 487
Telstra: 125 100 or online
Optus: 133 937
Vodafone: 1300 650 410
Virgin Mobile: 1300 555 100
Have you taken advantage of the 2 year warranty on Apple products? Let us know here.
Filing a complaint
If you find an issue with your Apple device, you can lodge a complaint with us and we’ll make sure you follow the correct process.
We’re here to help you handle it, just let us know the details of your complaint here.
